Bob Cooney

Various reports are saying that the Los Angeles Clippers are looking to get in touch with the 76ers about swingman Andre Iguodala. When contacted this morning, president/general manager Ed Stefanski said that he would not comment on any trade talks.

A trade of Iguodala now doesn't seem to jive with what new coach Doug Collins has been saying since his May hiring, which is that he is looking forward to coaching Iguodala and it is his belief that the 6-7 Arizona product can be one of the best defensive players in the league.

"I think this summer is such a great thing for his career," said Collins this morning while on his way to the airport to catch a flight to Las Vegas to watch Iguodala practice with Team USA. "I'm very excited about being his coach. We need him for the type of defensive team we want to be. I think he can be the best defensive player at his position in the league.

"During the practices, my son Chris (who is helping out for head coach Mike Krzyzewski) said that Dre had defended four different positions yesterday. There were situations where he defended the four (big forward), because in International play, the four is often a smaller guy. I think he's in a great place. Even since my first conversation with him out in California after I was hired, things have been terrific. I think things are headed in a real good place."

Which would seem to indicate that Iguodala is not headed anywhere right now.